Translator - Public Defender Interpreter

COUNTY OF LEHIGH PENNSYLVANIA • Allentown, PA

6d

About The Position

The Public Defender Interpreter is responsible for providing accurate, impartial, and confidential interpretation and translation services for indigent clients involved in criminal proceedings. This position plays a vital role in facilitating effective communication between clients, attorneys, investigators, and other justice system stakeholders, ensuring meaningful access to legal representation and the protection of clients' constitutional rights..

Requirements

• Fluency in English and at least one additional language, both oral and written.
• Demonstrated experience providing interpretation services, preferably in a legal, court, or criminal justice setting.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and criminal court processes, or the ability to learn quickly.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse populations, including vulnerable and incarcerated individuals.
• Ability to remain neutral, professional, and composed in high-stress or emotionally charged situations.
• Excellent listening, comprehension, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel within Lehigh County.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present inf
• Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Certification as a court or legal interpreter (state or nationally recognized) preferred.
• Drivers license and ability to travel within Lehigh County

Nice To Haves

• Certification as a court or legal interpreter (state or nationally recognized) or otherwise qualified.
• Prior experience in criminal defense, public defense, or indigent defense settings.
• Familiarity with Pennsylvania criminal courts and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, impartial interpretation (consecutive and sight translation) for attorney-client meetings, jail visits, court proceedings, hearings, interviews, and case preparation.
• Translate written legal documents, correspondence, and case-related materials as needed.
• Facilitate clear communication between non-English-speaking clients and Public Defender's Office staff, including attorneys, investigators, social workers, and mitigation specialists.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all client information in accordance with attorney-client privilege and office policies.
• Use appropriate legal terminology and ensure faithful interpretation without omission, embellishment, or advocacy.
• Coordinate interpretation services for in-custody and out-of-custody clients, including travel to correctional facilities and court locations.
• Maintain accurate records of interpretation services provided.
• Comply with ethical standards governing court and legal interpreters.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed